Rider announces new sports media bachelor’s degree – NJ.com

LAWRENCE – Rider University unveiled a new bachelor’s degree in sports media Wednesday.

The major field of studies will provide students with the opportunity to build skills in multimedia production, writing, storytelling, social media and sports communications, university professor A.J. Moore said in a statement.

“Whether students aspire to work in the sports industry as journalists, on-air broadcasters, public relations strategists, bloggers or producers, the program’s innovative interdisciplinary approach will give them the competitive edge and strong foundation they’ll need to reach their goals,” Moore said.

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The new major will be available this fall, 2016, and Moore said the program will give students the diverse skill-set that sports-media employers seek. 

Rider touted its “strategic location, near New York City and Philadelphia – two of largest media and sports team markets” in the announcing the new degree.

“Our communication majors have easy access to internships and other professional development opportunities, and have a history of interning with major professional sports franchises, minor league organizations and Division 1 programs,” Moore said.

He added that Rider students have already earned internships and landed jobs with reputable sports organizations like ESPN, Major League Baseball, the National Hockey League and professional teams like the Giants, Jets, Devils, Flyers and Trenton Thunder

To earn a degree in sports media, students must complete 24 credits of core communication courses and 24 credits of major courses – which include sports multimedia reporting, sports marketing and live sports reporting.

Thomas Regan may be reached at tregan@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @Thomas_P_Regan. Find NJ.com on Facebook.